Synonyms of supersede

supersede

verb

ˌsü-pər-ˈsēd 

as in to replace

to take the place of

that edition of the dictionary that you have has been superseded by a more recent one

Synonyms & Similar Words

• replace
• supplant
• substitute
• relieve
• displace
• usurp
• displant
• preempt
• cut out

Synonym Chooser

How is the word supersede distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of supersede are displace, replace, and supplant. While all these words mean "to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another," supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior.

the new edition supersedes all previous ones

When is it sensible to use displace instead of supersede?

The synonyms displace and supersede are sometimes interchangeable, but displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

When can replace be used instead of supersede?

While the synonyms replace and supersede are close in meaning, replace implies a filling of a place once occupied by something lost, destroyed, or no longer usable or adequate.

replaced the broken window

Where would supplant be a reasonable alternative to supersede?

The meanings of supplant and supersede largely overlap; however, supplant implies either a dispossessing or usurping of another's place, possessions, or privileges or an uprooting of something and its replacement with something else.

was abruptly supplanted in her affections by another

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of supersede

In his ruling Tuesday, Judge Fitzgerald said both sides should confer to come up with a subsequent trial date for Counts One and Six of the third superseding indictment. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2026

Rather than implementing the judgment, the city argued the parties’ new collective bargaining agreement superseded parts of the arbitration award because it was negotiated after the arbitrator issued his decision. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

But any such order might be superseded by the multi-state lawsuit. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 9 July 2026

Attorney Abbe Lowell entered the not guilty plea on behalf of the organization to a superseding indictment that adds details about the charges first announced in April. — ABC News, 7 July 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!